Question

Which artificial groundwater recharge technique causes directing extra surface water to ponds or infiltration basins?

• A. Injection wells
• B. Recharge pits
• C. Spreading basins
• D. Recharge trenches

Hint:

• Artificial groundwater recharge enhances natural groundwater replenishment.
• Spreading basins (Infiltration basins): Surface water is spread over large, shallow basins to promote infiltration through the basin floor into the aquifer.
• Injection wells: Water is pumped directly into an aquifer.
• Recharge pits/shafts/trenches: Structures designed to enhance infiltration, often smaller or linear compared to basins.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Artificial groundwater recharge involves techniques to augment the natural replenishment of groundwater. Various methods are used depending on local hydrogeological conditions and water availability:

• Spreading Basins (Infiltration Basins) (option c): This technique involves diverting surface water (e.g., from rivers during high flow, treated wastewater, or stormwater runoff) into specially constructed shallow basins or ponds. The water spreads over a large area and gradually infiltrates through the permeable bottom of the basin, percolating down to recharge the underlying aquifer. This method is suitable where land is available and the surface soil and underlying strata are permeable. This precisely matches the description "directing extra surface water to ponds or infiltration basins."
• Injection Wells (option a): These are wells used to pump water directly into an aquifer, often a confined aquifer or when surface infiltration is not feasible (e.g., due to impermeable overlying layers or limited land). Water is injected under pressure.
• Recharge Pits and Shafts (option b): These are similar to basins but are typically smaller and deeper, often excavated down to more permeable strata if the surface layer is less permeable. They are a form of infiltration structure.
• Recharge Trenches (option d): These are long, narrow excavations filled with permeable material, designed to intercept surface runoff and promote infiltration. They are often used along contours or in urban areas.

The description "directing extra surface water to ponds or infiltration basins" most accurately describes the method of spreading basins or infiltration basins. \[ \boxed{\text{Spreading basins}} \]